Flight - by Colin Rees (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

An exquisitely illustrated guide to the symbolism of birds in art, myth, and folklore around the world and throughout the ages.

From the goldfinch in Raphael's Madonna del Cardellino to the sacred ibis on an ancient Egyptian wall painting and the quetzal feathers of an Aztec headdress, birds have always held a special place in human culture and belief systems. But where did such symbolism come from? Why do we view some birds as special while others are comical? Flight examines 42 birds and the diverse roles they have played across civilizations.

Each individual profile offers a fresh perspective on our feathered friends, drawing from history, music, art, and folklore, delving into the myriad ways people have worshipped, feared, hunted, and consumed birds, utilized them as medicine, or relied on them to predict the weather.

Organized by habitat, with rich artwork with a range of contextual material, Colin Rees reveals how certain species have been perceived and why they continue to captivate our imaginations.

Review Quotes

"Conservation biologist Rees brings his expertise and passion to this extensively researched illustrated survey of how birds have made the human imagination take flight... Amateur ornithologists and art lovers alike will flock to this."--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Colin Rees is a natural scientist and has devote his career to the conservation of the natural environment. He holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin and was a faculty member of the Zoology Department, University of Maryland. He is the co-author of Birds of the Philippines and Birds of a Feathe: Seasonal Changes on Both Side of the Atlantic.